1 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption –FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Belinda Menchaca of the Guadalupe Dance Company dances with a flourish Oct. 28 for the attendees of the Hispanic Heritage Month cultural reception U.S. Army South at the pavilion behind Building 1001. The event kicked off with Sgt. Maj. Linda Kessinger as the guest speaker. Her speech mirrored the theme of "Serving and Leading our Nation with Pride and Honor." Kessinger is the senior enlisted leader for personnel at U.S. Army North (Fifth Army). "In my life, if I had listened to every person who said I would not be able to do something, I would not be standing in front of you today," she said. "I have learned that the only limits to what you want to do in life are those limits you put upon yourself." (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher DeHart, Army North PAO)VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption –FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Sgt. Maj. Linda Kessinger shares her story of coming up in the Army during the Hispanic Heritage Month cultural reception Oct. 28. The event was held at the pavilion behind Building 1001. "It is my pleasure," she said, "to join you in honoring the many incredible Hispanic Americans whose courage and dedication have sustained the American spirit throughout our history. These are people who have broken down barriers, created new opportunities, championed justice and even risked their lives for the greater good and have paved the way for us to be here today." Kessinger is the senior enlisted leader for personnel at U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) and served as the event's guest speaker. The theme for the celebration was "Serving and Leading our Nation with Pride and Honor." (Photo Credit: Mr. Eric R Lucero (ARSOUTH))VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption –FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Jeannette Chavez (left) and Marlene Pita of the Guadalupe Dance Company twirl in a traditional dance Oct. 28 during the Hispanic Heritage Month cultural reception. The event was held at the pavilion behind Building 1001. The event kicked off with Sgt. Maj. Linda Kessinger, the guest speaker, whose speech mirrored the theme of "Serving and Leading our Nation with Pride and Honor." Kessinger is the senior enlisted leader for personnel at U.S. Army North (Fifth Army). "By understanding the diverse nature of our Army and understanding the different heritages that are in our Army, we can then understand the Soldier next to us on our left and our right," she said. (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher DeHart, Army North PAO)VIEW ORIGINAL4 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption –FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Maj. Gen. Joseph DiSalvo and Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Zavodsky present an award to Sgt. Maj. Linda Kessinger for her support during the Hispanic Heritage Month cultural reception Oct. 28. The event, sponsored by U.S. Army South, was held at the pavilion behind Building 1001. "This observance promotes understanding of teamwork, harmony, pride and spirit among all groups " not just one specific group," said Kessinger. "It isn't only about celebrating culture; it focuses on the contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the country." The theme for the celebration was "Serving and Leading our Nation with Pride and Honor." Kessinger is the senior enlisted leader for personnel at U.S. Army North (Fifth Army). Maj. Gen. Joseph DiSalvo is the commanding general of Army South and Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Zavodsky is his senior enlisted leader. (Photo Credit: Mr. Eric R Lucero (ARSOUTH))VIEW ORIGINAL5 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption –FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Members of the 323rd Army Band "Fort Sam's Own" kick out a lively and steady beat for the attendees of the Hispanic Heritage Month cultural reception Oct. 28. The event was held at the pavilion behind Building 1001. Sgt. Maj. Linda Kessinger, the senior enlisted leader for personnel at U.S. Army North (Fifth Army), served as the guest speaker. "I want to encourage all of us to continue to serve with honor and pride and be a positive role model for today's youth," she said. "But, we can't stop there. We have the responsibility, as we have the opportunity, to mentor and to develop those young (children) " to instill a sense of pride and confidence so that they one day can be successful in whatever careers they choose." (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Christopher DeHart, Army North PAO)VIEW ORIGINAL